Number of players: 3+
Ages: 12+, or writing age.
This is a fun game that can be used with many different themes. The theme in this description is history, but it can be used with just about any subject, or even a group of objects that are used for the similar purposes.
Each player is provided with a sheet of paper and pencil and writes a description of some historical character. The object is to give a description of the person that’s truthful, but puzzling or misleading to the other players who guess the character, or object the writer has described.
One player reads her description. The other players can ask “yes” or “no” questions if you choose to include that option, but the best way to win is by not asking questions at all. The player who guesses the character correctly reads his description next. Here’s an example:
“The person I’m describing was a very tall man; very vigorous; used an ax on occasion; had a lot to do with law makers; was widely known outside his country; and his picture is often found inside vending machines. Of course, the answer is George Washington. The vending machine aspect is an example of how a player can throw the others off with an unusual twist.
You can play with younger kids without the writing component, but the game might flow as smoothly. It can be modified to fit just about any subject. For instance, it can be used with artists, scientists, monarchs, or any historical figures. Used with literature, all the characters can be within one story, or different characters in stories by the same author.
When I’m wearing my history teacher hat, I use game to review for unit tests with people or events from within the unit.